Angelo State University has added two new online AI degrees for students to enroll in for the fall semester.
“Students can now be part of the ongoing evolution and progression of artificial intelligence,” according to a news release from the university.
ASU has added a bachelor of science in AI and a master of science in AI, that are both already enrolling students for the upcoming fall semester.
“The new degree programs have been implemented in response to the exponential growth in demand for professionals skilled in AI across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, finance, education and cybersecurity,” the release stated.
“They are being offered 100% online to provide flexibility for varied student populations, including working professionals, military personnel, and students from rural or underserved areas,” the media release stated.
Both degree programs will support the expertise of faculty in the Department of Computer Science.
“These new AI degree programs reflect Angelo State’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education that meets the evolving needs of today’s workforce,” Dr. Erdogan Dogdu, chair of the Department of Computer Science, said. “By equipping students with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning, we are not only preparing them for high-demand careers, but also helping to drive innovation and economic growth across Texas and the nation.”
The AI bachelor’s degree program consists of 120 credit hours, with a curriculum that includes courses in foundational topics, such as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Knowledge engineering in AI
- Natural language processing
- Robotics
The degree also includes a required course in AI ethics, as well as a capstone project for seniors, where they apply AI techniques to solve real-world problems. The degree will prepare graduates for career opportunities as AI developers, data scientists, machine learning engineers and AI policy analysts, and in related fields.
The M.S. in AI degree program consists of 30 credit hours and is designed to cater to recent graduates and working professionals seeking advanced knowledge in AI. The degree includes a capstone/thesis option, as well as newly-developed courses, such as:
- Adversarial AI
- Reinforcement Learning
- AI Systems and Applications
“Unlike many traditional programs, it emphasizes practical applications of AI by integrating industry-level skills, tools and technologies,” the release stated.
Graduates will be prepared to start or advance careers as data scientists, AI engineers, machine learning specialists and AI consultants across a variety of industry sectors.
A new online Certificate in AI Policy and Ethics is also now available and enrolling students for the fall semester. The program consists of four courses. Students can earn the certificate concurrently with their B.S. or M.S. degree, or as a separate credential independent of a degree.
“To support all the new AI programs, ASU is establishing partnerships with leading AI companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide internship opportunities, offer industry-relevant capstone projects, and ensure curriculum alignment with workforce demands,” according to the release.
“Additionally, students in both programs will engage in K-12 outreach programs to promote AI education among underserved communities and inspire the subsequent generation of AI professionals,” the release stated.
